How to Be Cancer Nurse Navigator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 16, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Cancer Nurse Navigators are specialized healthcare professionals who are dedicated to helping and guiding cancer patients and their families through the entire cancer journey. By providing a single point of contact for patients, these nurses help to reduce confusion, anxiety, and other emotions that can arise when dealing with a cancer diagnosis. They also provide personalized support, education, and resources to help patients understand their diagnosis and treatment options, as well as coordinate care between their physician and other healthcare providers.

Through this coordination of care, they help ensure that the best possible outcomes are achieved for their patients, while providing them with the necessary emotional and psychological support throughout the process. By providing this comprehensive service, Cancer Nurse Navigators are able to help improve patient outcomes, reduce treatment costs, and ultimately increase overall patient satisfaction.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Nursing Degree. The first step to become a cancer nurse navigator is to obtain a nursing degree. This can be done by completing an approved nursing program from an accredited college or university.
Obtain a License as a Registered Nurse. After obtaining a nursing degree, the next step is to obtain a license as a registered nurse. This will require passing the NCLEX-RN examination and obtaining licensure from the state in which you plan to practice.
Get Oncology Nursing Certification. Once you have become a licensed registered nurse, you may want to obtain oncology nursing certification from the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC). This certification will provide additional training and knowledge related to cancer care and treatments, as well as demonstrate your commitment to the practice of oncology nursing.
Gain Experience in Oncology Nursing. In order to become a cancer nurse navigator, it is important to gain experience in oncology nursing. This can be done by working in a hospital or clinic setting in the role of an oncology nurse or by gaining specialized experience through volunteer or research opportunities.
Earn a Masters Degree. The next step is to earn a masters degree in nursing with a focus on oncology nursing. This type of degree will provide additional knowledge related to cancer care and treatment, as well as provide the opportunity for specialization in areas such as patient navigation, supportive care, or survivorship.
Get Certified as a Cancer Nurse Navigator. After completing your masters degree, you will need to get certified as a cancer nurse navigator. The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation offers the Certified Cancer Nurse Navigator (CCNN) certification, which requires at least two years of experience in oncology nursing and successful completion of the certification exam.

Cancer Nurse Navigators are highly skilled and qualified professionals that provide personalized support to cancer patients throughout their diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. They are uniquely qualified to assist patients in navigating the complex medical system and provide education about their diagnosis and treatment options. They strive to help patients understand the physical, emotional, and financial effects of cancer, and work hard to ensure that patients are receiving the best care possible.

Cancer Nurse Navigators also offer emotional support, connect patients with resources, provide information, and advocate for the patients needs. As a result, they help to reduce stress, improve quality of life, and provide peace of mind during a time of great uncertainty.

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Job Description

Provide support and information to cancer patients and their families.
Develop individualized care plans for each patient based on their diagnosis, prognosis, and preferences.
Coordinate referrals to appropriate specialists and other health care services.
Facilitate communication between patients and their health care team.
Educate patients and families about their cancer diagnosis and available treatments.
Help patients adhere to treatment plans and manage side effects.
Monitor patient progress, identify any changes or concerns, and provide necessary interventions.
Serve as an advocate for the patient, helping them access available resources and support services.
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and provide input on patient care plans.
Provide emotional support to patients and their families during challenging times.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledgeable in the entire scope of cancer care, including prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
Skilled in patient assessment, education, and counseling.
Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate patient care plans.
Proficient in teaching patients and families about their illness and treatment.
Skilled in understanding and managing psychosocial issues associated with cancer.
Proficient in coordinating care among multiple providers.
Expertise in advocacy for patients and their families.
Proficient in navigating the insurance system and obtaining authorization for needed treatments.
Ability to identify and refer patients to appropriate resources for financial assistance, emotional support, and other needs.
Knowledgeable in the use of technology to provide patient education and support.

A cancer nurse navigator is a healthcare professional who helps cancer patients and their families navigate the complex medical, physical, emotional and financial challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis. Having the right skills is essential for a cancer nurse navigator to be successful. A few of the most important skills for a cancer nurse navigator to have are strong communication, problem-solving and decision-making abilities, knowledge of medical terminology, and the ability to empathize with patients.

Strong communication skills help the nurse understand the patient's situation, answer their questions, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals. Problem-solving and decision-making abilities are critical for identifying the best treatment options and developing plans of care that are in the patients best interest. Knowledge of medical terminology allows the nurse to understand and interpret medical reports, as well as communicate effectively with other healthcare providers.

Empathy is essential to helping patients cope with the physical and emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Cancer nurse navigators also need to be compassionate, patient, and have strong organizational skills. With these skills, a cancer nurse navigator can help patients and their families through the difficult journey of dealing with cancer.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in providing cancer care and support?
How would you assess a patient's understanding of their diagnosis and their treatment options?
What strategies do you use to ensure you provide quality cancer care?
What challenges have you faced working with cancer patients and their families?
How do you keep up with the latest research and developments in the field of oncology?
How do you handle difficult conversations with patients and families?
How do you manage competing demands while navigating a patient's care?
What strategies do you use to ensure that every patient is provided with accurate information about their cancer journey?
How do you prioritize tasks to ensure that all tasks are completed on time?
What are your thoughts on using digital tools to help patients with their cancer care?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Medical Record (EMR) System. A computerized system that stores patient health information, such as medical history, test results, and treatment plans. (e. g. Epic, Cerner)
Clinical Practice Guidelines. Evidence-based guidelines that provide recommendations for treatment and management of medical conditions. (e. g. National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines)
Patient Education Materials. Printed or digital materials used to educate patients about their diagnosis, treatment options, and follow-up care. (e. g. American Cancer Society materials)
Disease Registries. Databases that track patient outcomes and guide care decisions. (e. g. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program)
Telemedicine. The use of video conferencing and other technology to provide healthcare services to patients remotely. (e. g. Telestroke technology)
Online Support Groups. Online forums or chat rooms that allow cancer patients to connect with each other and share experiences. (e. g. Cancer Survivors Network)
Decision Aids. Tools that help patients make informed decisions about their care. (e. g. OncoSimulator)

Professional Organizations to Know

Oncology Nursing Society (ONS)
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS)
Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW)
International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC)
Association of Oncology Nurse Navigators (AONN)
International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS)
National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCBC)
European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS)
American Cancer Society (ACS)

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Common Important Terms

Oncology Nursing. Oncology nursing is a specialized form of nursing that focuses on providing care to individuals with cancer and their families.
Cancer Survivorship. Cancer survivorship is the period of time following a diagnosis of cancer, during which an individual is living with cancer or has completed treatment.
Palliative Care. Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses, such as cancer. It is focused on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness.
Clinical Trials. Clinical trials are research studies that involve people. These studies test new ways to prevent, detect, diagnose, or treat diseases, including cancer.
Radiation Therapy. Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation, such as X-rays, to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing.
Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as radiation therapy or surgery.
Tumor Board. A tumor board is a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals who review individual cases of cancer to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Genetics. Genetics is the study of how genes and their associated traits are passed from one generation to the next.
Hospice Care. Hospice care is specialized care for people who are in the last stages of a terminal illness, such as cancer. It focuses on providing comfort and support to both the patient and their family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cancer Nurse Navigator?

A Cancer Nurse Navigator is a specialized nurse who assists cancer patients and their families throughout the healthcare journey, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.

What services do Cancer Nurse Navigators provide?

Cancer Nurse Navigators provide a variety of services, including helping patients find appropriate resources, providing emotional and educational support, coordinating care with other healthcare providers, and helping patients understand their diagnosis and treatment options.

Who is eligible for Cancer Nurse Navigator services?

Most cancer patients, regardless of age, gender, or socio-economic status, are eligible for Cancer Nurse Navigator services.

How much does it cost to use a Cancer Nurse Navigator?

The cost of using a Cancer Nurse Navigator varies depending on the patient's insurance coverage. Generally, the services of a Cancer Nurse Navigator are covered by most major insurance plans.